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SPIKE BY IAN HISLOP AND NICK NEWMAN TO OPEN THE 2022 SPRING SEASON AT THE WATERMILL THEATRE

SPIKE BY IAN HISLOP AND NICK NEWMAN TO OPEN THE 2022 SPRING SEASON AT THE WATERMILL THEATRE

  • IAN HISLOP AND NICK NEWMAN RETURN TO THE WATERMILL WITH A BRAND-NEW COMEDY – SPIKE
  • ORIGINAL MUSICALS THE WICKER HUSBAND AND OUR MAN IN HAVANA RETURN POST PANDEMIC
  • NEWLY CREATED WATERMILL YOUTH ENSEMBLE PERFORM FIRST PRODUCTION
  • BECCA CHADDER AND TALITHA WING JOIN AS PLAYWRIGHTS IN RESIDENCE
  • Book online at watermill.org.uk or VIA the Box Office on 01635 46044
  • TICKETS ON SALE TO FRIENDS OF THE THEATRE FROM WEDNESDAY 3 NOVEMBER
  • GENERAL ON SALE TUESDAY 9 NOVEMBER

Artistic Director Paul Hart, Executive Director Claire Murray and the team at Newbury’s The Watermill Theatre are thrilled to announce details of the spring season, running from January to May 2022, as well as the appointment of two new Playwrights in Residence.

The season opens with the world premiere of SPIKE, a new comedy based on the life of Spike Milligan by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman. It is followed by the return of folk-inspired mythic musical THE WICKER HUSBAND, rescheduled following the postponement of its debut run in 2020, due to the pandemic, and a world premiere musical adaptation of Graham Greene’s bestselling novel OUR MAN IN HAVANA. The Watermill’s newly created Youth Ensemble, comprised of young people age 11+, will make their debut in a new production, to be announced. The season takes place inside The Watermill’s auditorium, with both full capacity and socially distanced performances available. Government guidelines will apply throughout the season with adherence to current guidance and restrictions.

The Watermill have appointed Becca Chadder and Talitha Wing as the new Playwrights in Residence. They will be mentored by Watermill Associate Artist, Danielle Pearson, in a programme that forms part of a continued commitment to artists at the early stages in their careers. Further details will be announced soon.

Paul Hart said, Joyous new work will galvanise our post pandemic recovery as we bring back two new musicals that were cut short by the pandemic, our young actors in the Youth Theatre return to the stage for the first time since 2019 and I’m delighted to be working with Ian Hislop and Nick Newman to bring the life and work of comic genius, Spike Milligan, to The Watermill. I’m proud and grateful that we’re able to continue creating new and innovative work, thanks to the generous support of our brilliant audiences, supporters and funders.

“It’s been a long road since The Wicker Husband, a piece that is so perfect for The Watermill’s stage, opened and was forced to almost immediately close, in March 2020. With its beautiful score, and incredible puppets, I can’t wait to welcome back the whole team for this remarkable show. And our commission of a new musical version of Our Man in Havana, will be performed for the first time, finally making it to our stage, after production was halted by the pandemic.  

“I’m also excited to be working with Ian Hislop and Nick Newman again, bringing the world premiere of their brilliant new play about the comic genius that is Spike Milligan and his creation of the iconic Goon Show, to The Watermill stage.

“We’re also launching a brand new Youth Ensemble, opening up access to young people in our community led by our inspiring Outreach Director; Heidi Bird. For the first time our newly rebranded Youth Ensemble will be made entirely of young people who attend any one of our regular weekly groups, including our specialist access groups for young people who are Home Educated, have Autism, have added complications in their lives or are Deaf/deaf or have a hearing impairment. We are delighted to form this brilliant company of actors who will come together and tell a unique and inspiring story.

“Finally, I’m so pleased to welcome Becca Chadder and Talitha Wing as our Playwrights in Residence. They will be mentored by our Associate Artist, Danielle Pearson and I can’t wait to see how their work develops over the coming years.”

SPIKE, a new comedy by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman that delves into the inner workings of one of our most unique and brilliantly irreverent comedy minds, will premiere at The Watermill from Thursday 27 January – Saturday 5 March. SPIKE will be directed by Watermill Artistic Director Paul Hart, with design by Katie Lias. Full creative team and casting will be announced shortly.

“I’m not acting crazy. I’m the genuine article.”

It’s the booming fifties, and Britain is in the clutches of Goon mania as men, women and children across the country scramble to get their ear to a wireless for another instalment of The Goon Show. While Harry Secombe and Peter Sellers get down to the serious business of becoming overnight celebrities, fellow Goon and chief writer Spike finds himself pushing the boundaries of comedy, and testing the patience of the BBC.  

Flanked by his fellow Goons and bolstered by the efforts of irrepressible sound assistant Janet, Spike takes a flourishing nosedive off the cliffs of respectability, and mashes up his haunted past to create the comedy of the future.

Will Spike’s dogged obsession with finding the funny elevate The Goons to soaring new heights, or will the whole thing come crashing down with the stroke of a potato peeler?

BRAND-NEW PRODUCTION OF GEORGE ORWELL’S SATIRICAL MASTERPIECE ANIMAL FARM

BRAND-NEW PRODUCTION OF GEORGE ORWELL’S SATIRICAL MASTERPIECE ANIMAL FARM

WITH DESIGNS BY BUNNY CHRISTIE & PUPPETRY BY TOBY OLIÉ

RUNNING FROM 22 JANUARY – 28 MAY 2022

PRESENTED BY THE CHILDREN’S THEATRE PARTNERSHIP

IN ASSOCIATION WITH BIRMINGHAM REP


Full casting and the complete tour schedule are announced for the highly anticipated upcoming production of George Orwell’s classic satirical fable, Animal Farm, adapted and directed by the multi award-winning Robert Icke (The DoctorHamletMary StuartOresteia1984).  

The brand-new production will embark on an extensive UK tour, opening at Birmingham Rep from 22 January 2022, with press night on Wednesday 2 February.  The play then tours to Cambridge, Newcastle, Bath, Norwich, Salford, Plymouth, Nottingham, Coventry, Blackpool, Liverpool, Canterbury, Richmond and Wolverhampton, completing its run on 28 May 2022 at Bromley’s Churchill Theatre.

The cast of Animal Farm includes Matt ChurcherDarcy CollinsEnrico D. WeyAilsa DallingElisa De GreyEdie EdmundsonMichael Jean-MarainRayo PatelYana PenroseMarkus SchabbingSharon SzeBen Thompson and Matt Tait.

The production also combine the forces of some of UK theatre’s most talented creatives, including designs by the four-time Olivier Award-winning Bunny Christie (A Midsummer Night’s DreamCompanyInkThe Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time), and puppetry by Toby Olié (War HorseRunning WildThe Grinning ManGoodnight Mister Tom).

The animals of Manor Farm drive out the farmer and run the farm themselves.  

A revolution. And then what? Then freedom. Every animal will be free. 

Old Major, the prize boar, calls the animals of Manor Farm together.  

He has had a strange dream of a better future. 

George Orwell’s world-famous, biting political novel was first published in 1945 and tells the story of a revolution and its aftermath. Re-imagined by an award-winning creative team, Animal Farm is a dynamic, daring and contemporary take on a timeless story.

Icke previously worked on another of Orwell’s classics, 1984, which he co-adapted and directed alongside Duncan Macmillan, garnering him his first Olivier Award nomination for Best New Play in 2014, enjoying smash-hit runs in both the West End and on Broadway. Animal Farm also reunites Icke and Christie following their celebrated 2016 collaboration on The Red Barn at the National Theatre.

The production is produced by Children’s Theatre Partnership (CTP) in association with Birmingham Rep. CTP creates bold and imaginative theatre for young people, engaging new audiences and aiming to inspire a life-long love of theatre.


ANIMAL FARM  

By George Orwell

Adapted & Directed by Robert Icke

Set & Costume Designs by Bunny Christie

Puppetry Designs & Direction by Toby Olié

Produced by Children’s Theatre Partnership in association with Birmingham Rep

Press Night: Wednesday 2 February @ 7pm – Birmingham Rep

Website: animalfarmonstage.co.uk | childrenstheatrepartnership.co.uk

DATES

  • Birmingham Repertory Theatre birmingham-rep.co.uk 

22 January – 05 February 202 0121 236 4455

 

  • Cambridge Arts Theatre cambridgeartstheatre.com 

08 February – 12 February 2022 01223 503333

 

  • Newcastle Theatre Royal theatreroyal.co.uk 

22 February – 26 February 2022 08448 11 21 21

 

  • Bath Theatre Royal theatreroyal.org.uk 

01 March – 05 March 2022 01225 448844

 

  • Norwich Theatre norwichtheatre.org 

08 March – 12 March 2022 01603 630 000

 

  • Salford Lowry thelowry.com

22 March – 26 March 2022 0343 208 6000

 

  • Plymouth Theatre Royal theatreroyal.com 

29 March – 02 April 2022 01752 267222

 

  • Nottingham Theatre Royal trch.co.uk 

05 April – 09 April 2022 0115 989 5555

 

  • Coventry Belgrade Theatre belgrade.co.uk

12 April – 16 April 2022 024 7655 3055

 

  • Blackpool Grand Theatre blackpoolgrand.co.uk 

19 April – 23 April 2022 01253 290 190

 

  • Liverpool Playhouse everymanplayhouse.com

26 April – 30 April 2022 0151 709 4776

 

  • Canterbury Marlowe Theatre marlowetheatre.com 

03 May – 07 May 2022 01227 787787

 

  • Richmond Theatre atgtickets.com/venue/richmond

10 May – 14 May 0844 871 7615

 

  • Wolverhampton Grand Theatre grandtheatre.co.uk 

17 May – 21 May 2022 01902 42 92 12

 

  • Bromley Churchill Theatre churchilltheatre.co.uk

24 May – 28 May 2022 020 3285 6000

MEET TOM, BARBARA, MARGO AND JERRY

MEET TOM, BARBARA, MARGO AND JERRY

  • RUFUS HOUND AS ‘TOM GOOD’
  • PREEYA KALIDAS AS ‘MARGO LEADBETTER’
  • DOMINIC ROWAN AS ‘JERRY LEADBETTER’
  • SALLY TATUM AS ‘BARBARA GOOD’

Full casting has been announced for the brand new stage adaptation of beloved British comedy THE GOOD LIFE which tours the UK this Autumn.

The acclaimed cast will include actress and presenter Preeya Kalidas as ‘Margo Leadbetter’, Dominic Rowan as ‘Jerry Leadbetter’, and Sally Tatum as ‘Barbara Good’, joining the previously announced actor and comedian Rufus Hound as ‘Tom Good’. Also featured will be Nigel Betts and Tessa Churchard.

The new comedy by Jeremy Sams, is based on the classic television series by John Esmonde and Bob Larbey which entertained countless millions in the 1970s. Directed by Jeremy Sams, this world premiere production will be the first time that the iconic characters of suburban neighbours the Goods and the Leadbetters will be seen on stage.

THE GOOD LIFE will open at Theatre Royal Bath on 7 October 2021, before dates at Cheltenham Everyman, Salford Lowry, Oxford Playhouse, Cambridge Arts Theatre, Malvern Theatres, Richmond Theatre and Chichester Festival Theatre.

Remember the Goods – Tom and Barbara, suburban eco-warriors? And their next-door neighbours Margo and Jerry Leadbetter, desperately trying to maintain the Surbiton status quo? Jeremy Sams’s comedy leads the well-loved characters through uproarious  adventures, some old, some new and often (even today) hilariously familiar. This new play celebrates a time when, whatever our differences, we still managed to get on with our neighbours.

Beloved BBC comedy THE GOOD LIFE ran on British television from 1975 to 1978 starring Richard Briers, Felicity Kendal, Penelope Keith and Paul Eddington.

Rufus Hound is an award-winning actor, comedian and presenter equally at home with roles on screen including Doctor Who, Cucumber, Hounded and on the stage including One Man Two Guvnors (Theatre Royal Haymarket), What The Butler Saw (Theatre Royal Bath / Leicester Curve), Don Quixote (RSC), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Savoy Theatre London), Present Laughter and Neville’s Island (Chichester Festival Theatre) and his award-winning role as Mr Toad in The Wind in the Willows (London Palladium, UK tour and cinema broadcast).

Preeya Kalidas made history as the first British Asian female to play the lead in a musical when she originated the role of Priya in the West End production of Bombay Dreams. Notable screen credits include award-winning feature films Four Lions, Bend it like Beckham and as Amira Shah in BBC’s EastEnders. Preeya played the title role in BAFTA nominated Bollywood Carmen and also starred in Britz, Mistresses, Bodies, Banglatown Banquet and England Expects. Major stage credits include Oxford Street (Royal Court Theatre), Chiaroscuro (Bush Theatre) Olivier Award nominated for Bend it like Beckham the Musical (Phoenix Theatre), Joseph and his amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (The Adelphi), School of Rock (Gillian Lynne Theatre), and most recently Everybody’s talking about Jamie (Apollo Theatre).

Dominic Rowan’s work in theatre includes: A Dream Play, Iphigeneia at Aulis, Mourning Becomes Electra, Three SistersHappy Now?, The Talking Cure and Private Lives (National Theatre); The Two Gentlemen of Verona, The Merchant of Venice and Talk of the City (RSC); A Voyage Round My Father, Berenice and Lobby Hero  (Donmar Warehouse); A Doll’s House (Young Vic), Playhouse Creatures (Old Vic); Way to Heaven and Forty Winks (Royal Court Theatre); The Importance of Being Earnest (Oxford Playhouse); Sexual Perversity in Chicago (Crucible Theatre); The RivalsCharley’s Aunt and Look Back in Anger (Royal Exchange); A Collier’s Friday Night (Hampstead Theatre); Wit’s End  (New End Theatre); Under The Blue Sky, (Duke of York’s); The Misanthrope  (Comedy Theatre), As You Like It (Globe Theatre).

Sally Tatum is an actress, comedian and writer who was placed on the BAFTA Rocliffe Forum List for emerging comedy writers. Stage credits include Present Laughter, and Red Light Winter (Theatre Royal Bath), A Day in the Life of Joe Egg (Liverpool Everyman), Gaslight (Old Vic) and As You Like It, Twelfth Night and Solstice (RSC). Television credits include Episodes, Boy Meets Girl, and My Mad Fat Diary.

Nigel Betts’ work in theatre includes: Steel (Sheffield Theatres), Albion (Almeida Theatre), Three Days in the Country (National Theatre), Wonderland (Hampstead Theatre), Pastoral (Soho Theatre), One Man Two Guv’nors, War Horse (National Theatre/West End), Aladdin, (Lyric Hammersmith),The 39 Steps, Up’n’Under, Henry IV, As You Like It (West End). TV includes: Toast, King Gary, Ridley Road, Grantchester, Casualty, All Creatures Great and Small, Father Brown, The A Word, Pennyworth, Harlots, Killing Eve, Trollied, EastEnders, Scarborough, Outlander, Little Boy Blue, Bliss, Bounty Hunters, Death in Paradise, Boy Meets Girl, Vera, Class, The Coroner, DCI Banks, New Tricks, You, Me & Them, The Wrong Mans, Doctor Who, Waterloo Road, Doctors, Holby City, Downton Abbey, The Escape Artist, The Starlings, Doc Martin, Moving Wallpaper, The Bill, Trial and Retribution, The Catherine Tate Show, Coronation Street, The Street, Emmerdale, Doctors, Grange Hill, Midsomer Murders, Silent Witness, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, Sharpe’s Mission, Courtroom, Grease Monkeys, Inspector Lynley Mysteries, A Touch of Frost, Final Demand, Paradise Reclaimed, and As Time Goes By.

Tessa Churchard’s theatre credits include The 39 Steps (Criterion Theatre, West End), As You Desire Me (Playhouse Theatre, West End) Noises Off (Piccadilly Theatre, West End), Family Business, Brighton Beach Memoirs and Blithe Spirit (Watford Palace Theatre), Lady Of Leisure, Still Life/ The Astonished Heart, Point Of Death (Liverpool Playhouse), Gaillileo’s Daughter, Man And Superman, Don Juan (Peter Hall Company, Bath Theatre Royal), Remember This (Royal National Theatre), Communicating Doors, Lady Windermere’s Fan, Richard III (Theatre Royal, Northampton), The Diary Of Anne Frank (Basingstoke Haymarket Theatre), Dying In The Street (The Print Room), and The Fabulist (Old Red Lion). For television and film her credits include The Coroner (BBC), EastEnders (BBC), Call The Midwife (BBC), Casualty (BBC), Dixi (CBBC), Doctors (BBC), The Grain Chest (CK Productions), Family Affairs (Talkback Thames), Harringham Harker (BBC), Jeeves And Wooster (ITV) and The Bill (Talkback Thames).

Jeremy Sams‘s directing credits include the National Theatre’s 2000 West End and Broadway revival of Noises Off, the West End musical Spend, Spend, Spend, the international tour of The Sound of Music and Oklahoma! at Chichester Festival Theatre.

Fiery Angel presents THE GOOD LIFE. Adapted and directed by Jeremy Sams based on the TV series by John Esmonde and Bob Larbey. Set and Costume Design by Michael Taylor,  Lighting Design by Mark Henderson, Sound Design by Fergus O’Hare, Composition by Tim Sutton and casting by Ginny Schiller CDG.


thegoodlifeonstage.com | @goodlifeonstage

Fiery Angel presents…
THE GOOD LIFE
Adapted and directed by Jeremy Sams based on the TV series by John Esmonde and Bob Larbey
Set and Costume Design by Michael Taylor
Lighting Design by Mark Henderson
Sound Design by Fergus O’Hare
Composition by Tim Sutton
Casting by Ginny Schiller CDG

7 October – 16 October 2021
Theatre Royal Bath
theatreroyal.org.uk | 01225 448 844

19 October – 23 October2021
Cheltenham Everyman
everymantheatre.org.uk | 01242 572 573

26 October – 30 October  2021
Salford Lowry
thelowry.com | 0343 208 6000

2 November – 6 November 2021
Oxford Playhouse
oxfordplayhouse.com | 01865 305 305

9 November – 13 November  2021
Cambridge Arts Theatre
cambridgeartstheatre.com | 01223 503 333

16 November – 20 November2021
Malvern Theatres
malvern-theatres.co.uk | 01684 892277

23 November – 27 November2021
Richmond Theatre
www.atgtickets.com/Richmond | 0333 009 6690

30 November – 4 December 2021
Chichester Festival Theatre
cft.org.uk | 01243 781 312

DAME PENELOPE KEITH TO STAR IN 2022 UK TOUR OF NEW PLAY

DAME PENELOPE KEITH TO STAR IN 2022 UK TOUR OF NEW PLAY

Stage and screen actress Dame Penelope Keith will collaborate once again with director Alan Strachan and designer Simon Higlett for Two Cigarettes in the Dark, a brand new play by Stephen Wyatt, produced by Jonathan Church Theatre Productions and Cambridge Arts Theatre.

Bright, witty, and fiercely independent, Isabel is not ready to let go just yet.

In a series of encounters with an old friend and her two sons, by turns funny, startling and poignant, home truths are exchanged, and her past begins to emerge. As Isabel confronts her own hidden regrets and family secrets, we learn what hides below the surface of this proud mother, wife, and friend. Finally, Isabel is able to make peace with her life and say goodbye.

Dame Penelope Keith said: “Following this difficult period for regional theatres I am delighted to be bringing this new play to a group of theatres and audiences who have been important to me over the years. When I read Stephen’s touching and amusing play which has at its centre a (rare to find) role for an actress of a certain age, I knew immediately I wanted to play the part and bring this play to audiences across the country.”

Dame Penelope Keith is renowned for her many acclaimed roles on stage and screen, most notably in the iconic British sitcoms The Good Life and To The Manor Born. Her recent theatre credits include The Chalk Garden, Mrs Pat, The Way of the World and Entertaining Angels (all Chichester Festival Theatre). Her most recent television appearances include Penelope Keith’s Hidden Villages and Penelope Keith’s Coastal Villages on Channel 4. She was appointed Dame Commander of the British Empire in the new year honours 2014.

TWO CIGARETTES IN THE DARK
www.jctproduction.com

Tour Schedule

17 – 26 February 2022
Chichester Festival Theatre
www.cft.org.uk

3 March – 12 March 2022
Cambridge Arts Theatre
www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

14 – 19 March 2022
Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

22 – 26 March 2022
New Theatre, Cardiff

www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

28 March – 2 April
Richmond Theatre
https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre/

4 – 9 April 2022
Brighton Theatre Royal
www.theatreroyalbrighton.com/

19 – 23 April
Theatre Royal Bath
www.theatreroyal.org.uk

25 – 30 April
Malvern Theatres
www.malvern-theatres.co.uk

Rehearsal photography released for The Dresser UK Tour starring Julian Clary and Matthew Kelly

Rehearsal photography released for The Dresser UK Tour starring Julian Clary and Matthew Kelly

THE DRESSER – Norman (Julian Clary) & Sir (Matthew Kelly). Photo: Alastair Muir


Theatre Royal Bath Productions and Everyman Theatre Productions are delighted to announce the full tour dates for Ronald Harwood’s highly acclaimed drama The Dresser starring the much loved UK entertainer Julian Clary as Norman and Olivier Award winner Matthew Kelly as ‘Sir’.

Directed by Olivier Award-winning Terry Johnson, The Dresser will run at Theatre Royal Bath from 9 September 2021, before dates at Cheltenham Everyman Theatre, Theatre Royal Brighton, Norwich Theatre Royal, Cambridge Arts Theatre, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Richmond Theatre, Malvern Festival Theatre, Oxford Playhouse, Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury and newly announced– the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford and the King’s Theatre in Edinburgh where the tour finishes in February 2022.

Joining Julian Clary and Matthew Kelly in the cast are:  Emma Amos as Her Ladyship, Rebecca Charles as Madge, Natalie Servat as Irene, Pip Donaghy as Geoffrey Thornton, Samuel Holmes as Mr Oxenby, Robert Shaw Cameron as Kent, Peter Yapp as Gloucester, Stephen Cavanagh as Albany, with Claire Jeater and Michaela Bennison in the ensemble.

Inspired by memories of working as Donald Wolfit’s dresser as a young man, Ronald Harwood’s evocative, affectionate and hilarious portrait of backstage life is regarded as one of the most acclaimed dramas of modern theatre.

It is 1942 and in a war-torn provincial theatre an aging actor-manager, known to his loyal acting company as ‘Sir’, is struggling to cling on to his sanity and complete his 227th performance of King Lear.  For 16 years Norman, Sir’s devoted dresser, has been there to fix Sir’s wig, massage his ego, remind him of his opening lines and provide the sound effects in the storm scene. It is down to Norman to ensure that in spite of everything, the show goes on.

Julian Clary has performed across the world and is renowned for his many successes across television, radio, film, writing and stand-up comedy. His roles on stage include Leigh Bowery in Boy George’s Taboo (West End and national tour), the Emcee in Rufus Norris’s Olivier Award winning production of Cabaret (West End), and Le Grand Mort (Trafalgar Studios). Julian also regularly performs in panto and will return to the London Palladium this Christmas. His many TV credits include Trick or Treat, Saturday Night Live, Sticky Moments, Terry and Julian, All Rise, Strictly Come Dancing, Have I Got News For You and QI. He toured the UK earlier this year with his latest one-man comedy show Born To Mince.

Matthew Kelly is an Olivier Award winning actor who is also well known for presenting the television series Stars in their Eyes and You Bet!. Matthew Kelly’s West End credits include Waiting For Godot with Ian McKellen and Roger Rees, Big The Musical (Dominion), Funny Peculiar, Sign of the Times, Lend Me A Tenor!, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and as Lennie in Of Mice and Men (Savoy) for which he received the Olivier Award for Best Actor. Other recent theatre credits include Alan Bennett’s The Habit of Art, Pride & Prejudice (Regents Park & UK Tour), and Troilus and Cressida (Shakespeare’s Globe). His many television credits include the award-winning Cold Blood, Benidorm, Bleak House and Moving On.

Ronald Harwood was an Academy Award, Palme d’Or and BAFTA-winning screenwriter and playwright. His plays include Taking Sides, Equally Divided and Quartet. His screenplay for the film of The Dresser received five Academy Award nominations, including Best Screenplay. His films include the Academy Award winning The Pianist, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly and Love in the Time of Cholera.

Terry Johnson is a dramatist and director who has won numerous theatre awards including two Olivier Awards as a playwright for Best Comedy and a Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical for La Cage Aux Folles. Other West End credits include The Libertine, End of the Rainbow, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, The Duck House, Whipping It Up and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. He recently directed Uncle Vanya at the Hampstead Theatre and has previously directed Mrs. Henderson Presents, Hysteria and The Libertine at Bath.

Theatre Royal Bath Productions and Everyman Theatre Productions present…
Julian Clary and Matthew Kelly in THE DRESSER
By Ronald Harwood
Directed by Terry Johnson
Designed by Tim Shortall

9 September to 18 September 2021
Theatre Royal Bath
Box Office: 01225 448844
theatreroyal.org.uk

21 September to 25 September 2021
Cheltenham Everyman Theatre
Box office: 01242 572573
everymantheatreorg.uk

28 September to 2 October 2021
Theatre Royal Brighton
Box office: 0844 871 7615
atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-brighton/

5 October to 9 October 2021
Norwich Theatre Royal
Box office: 01603 630 000 
norwichtheatre.org

12 October to 16 October 2021
Cambridge Arts Theatre
Box office: 01223 503 333
cambridgeartstheatre.com

19 October to 23 October 2021
Theatre Royal Plymouth
Box office: 01752 267 222
theatreroyal.com

26 October to 30 October 2021
Richmond Theatre
Box office: 0844 871 7615
atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre/

18 January – 22 January 2022
Malvern Festival Theatre
Box office: 01684 892277
https://www.malvern-theatres.co.uk/

25 January to 29 January
Oxford Playhouse
Box office: 01865 305305
https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/

1 February to 5 February 2022
Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury
Box office: 01227 787 787  
marlowetheatre.com

8 February to 12 February 2022
Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
Box Office 01274 432000
https://www.bradford-theatres.co.uk/

15 February – 19 February 2022
King’s Theatre, Edinburgh
Box Office 0131 529 6000
www.capitaltheatres.com

The Battersea Poltergeist – Live!

The Battersea Poltergeist – Live!

The true story of Britain’s strangest ever house haunting, that became a worldwide podcast hit through an 8-part series on BBC Radio Four, is coming to theatres across the UK.

‘The Battersea Poltergeist’ was a multi-million download, genre-busting phenomenon, mixing documentary and drama to tell the incredible and terrifying true story of the 1956 haunting of the
Hitchings family at the hands of a poltergeist they nicknamed Donald.

Now at this exclusive live event, you will meet the show’s creator, writer and journalist Danny Robins – who is currently making his West End writing debut with ‘2:22: A Ghost Story’ at the Noel Coward Theatre, starring Lily Allen, Julia Chan, Hadley Fraser and Jake Wood – and other guest experts from the podcast.

Together they’ll delve deeper into this paranormal cold case, bringing the investigation to life on stage, sharing exclusive footage of Shirley Hitchings and other witnesses, and revealing some stunning (and chilling) new evidence.

London date: ‘The Battersea Poltergeist – Live’ at Clapham Grand, on Halloween, October 31, 2021 at 7.30pm (doors at 6.30pm)

Clapham Grand is located just minutes from the site of the actual haunting at 63 Wycliffe Road.

Dubbed Britain’s strangest ever haunting; it was a poltergeist case that spanned an incredible 12-year period. At its height, became a major national news story, with newspaper headlines about strange noises, flying objects, exorcisms and ghostly communication. An attempt was even made to contact the poltergeist on live prime-time TV on the BBC and it was discussed by the Home Secretary in the House of Commons.

At ‘The Battersea Poltergeist – Live’ there will be a Q&A so you can put your questions about the case and the making of the series to Danny and his team of experts!

Are you #TeamSceptic or #TeamBeliever? Be part of the investigation that’s spurred millions of listeners worldwide to become supernatural sleuths.

Produced by James Seabright.

Danny Robins at Wycliffe Road, Battersea – where the haunting happened.
Photo: Simon Barnard


2021 UK Tour Dates

Monday 25 October at 8pm
SALFORD – The Lowry
https://thelowry.com/ 0343 208 6000

Wednesday 27 October at 7.30pm
GUILDFORD – G Live
https://glive.co.uk/ 01483 369350

Saturday 30 October at 7.30pm
BASINGSTOKE – The Anvil
https://www.anvilarts.org.uk/ 01256 844244

Sunday 31 October at 7.30pm (doors 6.30pm)
LONDON – Clapham Grand
https://claphamgrand.com/ 020 7223 6523

Monday 1 November at 7.30pm
IPSWICH – Regent Theatre
https://ipswichtheatres.co.uk/ 01473 433100

Tuesday 2 November at 7.30pm
YORK – York Grand Opera House
https://www.atgtickets.com/york/ 0333 009 6690

Wednesday 3 November at 7.45pm
POOLE – Lighthouse Poole
https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/ 01202 280000

Friday 5 November at 7.30pm
CHELTENHAM – Cheltenham Town Hall
https://www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk/ 01242 528764

Sunday 7 November at 7.45pm
BRIGHTON – Brighton Theatre Royal
https://www.atgtickets.com/brighton/ 0333 009 6690

Running time: 90 mins plus interval

  • Twitter: @battpoltergeist
  • Facebook: battpoltergeist
  • Instagram: @battpoltergeist

Website: www.batterseapoltergeistlive.com/

BRINGING SUNSHINE ACROSS THE UK

BRINGING SUNSHINE ACROSS THE UK

Photo: Paul Coltas


Critically acclaimed and Olivier Award-nominated for their uncanny portrayal of the legendary comedy duo, Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise, IAN ASHPITEL & JONTY STEPHENS as ‘ERIC & ERN’ is touring the UK from Tuesday 5 October, 2021 (full tour dates attached).

A festive version of the show, IAN ASHPITEL & JONTY STEPHENS as ERIC & ERN AT CHRISTMAS, will play Plymouth Theatre Royal on 27 November and a week-long season at The Lowry in Salford, 6 – 12 December.

Crammed full of renditions of those famous comedy sketches, and coupled with contemporary references in their unique style, the show evokes memories of times when whole families would huddle around the telly on Sunday evenings to share in the much-loved antics of Britain’s national treasures.

As seen on BBC One’s The One Show and ITV1’s The Alan Titchmarsh Show, the performances contain some of the first new writing in the style of Morecambe & Wise material in over thirty years.

Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens have been performing and writing as Eric and Ern for more than five years. The research into their subjects is there for all to see in their staggeringly accurate portrayal of the most successful and much loved British comedy duo of all time. The performers themselves have a wonderful relationship with the families and estates of Morecambe & Wise – with all scripts given the families’ seal of approval before being performed.

“I have been fascinated with Eric Morecambe for as long as I can remember,” says Jonty. “I took on his persona at school and it never really left me. He was the funniest and loveliest of men. We both feel it’s a privilege to play Eric and Ernie and some people have said it’s like we’re channeling them – some nights it does feel like that.”

Ian said: “We do treasure the relationship we have with each other – as did Eric and Ernie – and I think it’s obvious that we love performing the comedy of Morecambe and Wise.”

Ian and Jonty met at drama school over 30 years ago and continued their friendship playing golf together at The Stage Golf Society in Richmond. When Jonty was asked to play Eric at a charity show he knew that with his short fat hairy legs Ian would be the perfect Ernie Wise. Having brought the house down the two then wrote some ‘bespoke’ material for their friends at the golf club.

It was these performances which set them off on an incredible journey, with rave reviews at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, an acclaimed West End season at the Vaudeville Theatre, and an Olivier Award nomination for ‘the play wot we wrote’ – ‘Eric and Little Ern’.

Jonty said: “More importantly, the audiences love watching it – which is always handy. But it’s more than just watching a comedy show – there’s a real emotional connection, because we all remember watching it together. The audience reaction has been amazing.

Creative team:

  • Director: Daniel Clarkson
  • Choreographer: Nicola Keen
  • Set Design: Louie Whitemore
  • Lighting Design: Zoe Spurr
  • Marketing: Karen Benstead
  • Producers: Ian Ashpitel, Jonty Stephens, Martin Clarkson
  • Associate Producer:  Joshua Beaumont

“I never thought I’d See Morecambe and Wise live. I think I just have!”  Ben Elton

“Wonderfully affectionate performances. They were both absolutely brilliant” Lord Grade, former agent to Morecambe and Wise, who negotiated the duo’s move from ATV to BBC2 in 1968

RADLETT – Radlett Centre
Tuesday 5 October at 7.30pm
01923 859 291 radlettcentre.co.uk

PORTSMOUTH – Guildhall
Wednesday 6 October at 7.00pm
023 9387 0200 portsmouthguildhall.org.uk

CRAWLEY – Hawth Theatre
Thursday 7 October at 7.30pm
01293 553636 hawth.co.uk

YEOVIL – Octagon
Friday 8 October at 7.30pm
01935 422884 octagon-theatre.co.uk

HAYES – Beck Theatre
Tuesday 12 October at 7.30pm
0343 310 0044 becktheatre.org.uk

PETERBOROUGH – New Theatre
Wednesday 13 October  at 7.30pm newtheatre-peterborough.com

SCARBOROUGH – Scarborough Spa
Thursday 14 October at 7.30pm
01723 821 888 scarboroughspa.co.uk

CROMER – Cromer Pier, North Norfolk
Saturday 16 October at 8pm
01263 512495 cromerpier.co.uk

LINCOLN – New Theatre Royal
Tuesday 19 October at 7.30pm
newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk 01522 519999

SALE – Waterside Arts
Friday 22 October at 7.30pm
0161 912 5616 watersidearts.org

CHESTERFIELD – Pomegranate Theatre
Saturday 23 October at 2.30pm & 7.30pm
01246 345222 chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk

BARROW-IN-FURNESS – The Forum
Sunday 24 October at 7.30pm
01229 820000 theforumbarrow.co.uk

CREWE – Lyceum
Monday 25 & Tuesday 26 October at 7.30pm
crewelyceum.co.uk

SCUNTHORPE – The Baths Hall
Wednesday 27 October at 7.30pm
scunthorpetheatres.co.uk

LEAMINGTON SPA – Royal Spa Centre
Friday 29 October at 7.30pm
01926 334418 warwickdc.gov.uk/royalspacentre

LICHFIELD – Lichfield Garrick
Thursday 4 November at 2.30pm & 7.30pm
lichfieldgarrick.com 01543 412121

BLACKBURN – King George’s Hall
Friday 5 November at 7:30pm
01254 582579 bwdvenues.com

EDINBURGH – Festival Theatre
Monday 15 November at 7.30pm
0131 529 6000 capitaltheatres.com

ABERDEEN – Tivoli
Tuesday 16 November at 7.30pm
01224 641122 thetivolitheatre.com

LIVERPOOL – Everyman Theatre
Thursday 18 – Saturday 20 November  at 7.30pm
0151 709 4776 everymanplayhouse.com

IAN ASHPITEL & JONTY STEPHENS as ERIC & ERN AT CHRISTMAS

PLYMOUTH – Theatre Royal
Saturday 27 November at 2.30pm & 7.30pm
01752 267222 theatreroyal.com

SALFORD – The Lowry
Monday 6 – Sunday 12 December 6, 7, 8,  9 at 8pm, 10, 11, 12 at 5pm & 8pm
0343 208 6000 thelowry.com

WEBSITE: www.ericandlittleern.co.uk

SOCIAL MEDIA:

  • Twitter: @eric_ern
  • Facebook: EricandLittleErn
  • Instagram: ericandlittleern

LIVERPOOL THEATRE FESTIVAL 2021

LIVERPOOL THEATRE FESTIVAL 2021

The 12-day programme features 16 productions, some of which are being premiered at the festival, while others are coming to Liverpool for the very first time. The line-up includes comedy, music, dance, drama, and children’s shows.

Liverpool Theatre Festival was first staged in September 2020. It was created by Liverpool theatre producer Bill Elms in response to an ongoing need for live entertainment during Covid-19, while also supporting the creative arts professionals in the city during the pandemic.

Liverpool Theatre Festival runs between Wednesday 1 September and Sunday 12 September 2021, and the live outdoor event is being staged at St Luke’s Bombed Out Church in the heart of the city centre.

THE SHOWS:


DATE
SHOW
Wednesday 1 September 2021
Performance time 8pm
2Gorgeous4U
Thursday 2 September 2021
Performance time 7.30pm
Perfectly Frank
Friday 3 September 2021
Performance times 5pm / 8pm
The Last Five Years
Saturday 4 September 2021
Performance time 11.30am
When Another Dragon Roars
Saturday 4 September 2021
Performance times 6pm / 8.30pm
Everybody’s Talking About Musicals
Sunday 5 September 2021
Performance time 11.30am
Boing…Meow! The Musical
Sunday 5 September 2021
Performance times 4pm / 8pm
Electric Dreams
Monday 6 September 2021
Performance time 7.30pm
An Evening Without Kate Bush
Tuesday 7 September 2021
Performance time 7.30pm
Twice Nightly
Wednesday 8 September 2021
Performance time 7.30pm
Swan Song
Thursday 9 September 2021
Performance time 7.30pm
Opera Beneath The Stars
Friday 10 September 2021
Performance times 6pm / 8.30pm
Broken Biscuits
Saturday 11 September 2021
Performance time 1pm
Twelfth Night By William Shakespeare
Saturday 11 September 2021
Performance times 6pm / 8.30pm
Laughterhouse Comedy
Sunday 12 September 2021
Performance time 1pm
Goldilocks And The Fab 4
Sunday 12 September 2021
Performance time 8pm
Something About George – The George Harrison Story

For more details about the shows please visit www.liverpooltheatrefestival.com

JEZ BUTTERWORTH’S JERUSALEM RETURNS TO THE WEST END FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED 16 WEEK SEASON

JEZ BUTTERWORTH’S JERUSALEM RETURNS TO THE WEST END FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED 16 WEEK SEASON

Sonia Friedman Productions and the Royal Court Theatre today confirm the return of Ian Rickson’s production of Jez Butterworth’s Jerusalem to London’s West End for a strictly limited 16-week engagement. Mark Rylance and Mackenzie Crook will reprise their celebrated roles as Johnny “Rooster” Byron and Ginger respectively, with further casting to be announced at a later date.

Previewing at the Apollo Theatre from 16 April 2022 with the opening night on 28 April 2022, Jerusalem will run until 6 August 2022.  There will be over 800 seats at £15 or under each week across the house throughout the run with additional education rates of £25 per student ticket.  Sign-up is open today (29 July 2021) for priority booking at www.jerusalemtheplay.co.uk from 10am with exclusive priority booking for those who have signed up by 10am Monday 9 August 2021.  Tickets will go on general sale Monday 16 August 2021 at 10am.

The original creative team will return for this 2022 production – designer Ultz, lighting designer Mimi Jordan Sherin, composer Stephen Warbeck, sound designer Ian Dickinson for Autograph and casting director Amy Ball CDG.

Jez Butterworth’s award-winning play, which premiered at the Royal Court in 2009, returns to the West End following record-breaking sold-out runs at the Royal Court and the Apollo Theatres in 2009, 2010 and 2011 as well the Music Box Theater on Broadway in 2011.

On St George’s Day, the morning of the local county fair, Johnny Byron is a wanted man. The Council officials want to serve him an eviction notice, his son wants his dad to take him to the fair, Troy Whitworth wants to wreak his revenge and a motley crew of mates wants his ample supply of drugs and alcohol.


Twitter: https://twitter.com/jerusalemplay

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerusalemplay/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JerusalemPlay

Theatre:  Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 7EZ

Dates: 16 April – 6 August 2022

Opening Night: 28 April 2022 at 7pm

Performances: Monday – Saturday at 7.30pm

Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm

Apollo Theatre Box Office:    0330 333 4809

Website: www.jerusalemtheplay.co.uk

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